I was thankful for arriving at Sydney’s Enmore Theatre when I did. Not five minutes after my arrival, hoards of fans took their place in line, which very quickly grew, reaching up the street and around the corner. The long line of waiting fans only heightened everyone’s excitement. I had to giggle when I overheard a couple of passers-by conversation, “Extreme & Mr Big? Never heard of them, it’s probably that shit dance music”. Boy, do they need educating! Pretty soon we were all about to witness a paramount double header with two prodigious guitar virtuoso’s between them.

At 7pm on the dot, the doors to the Enmore were flung open and the crowd of fans made their way inside, to take their positions. Securing my favourite spot on the barrier (Hey, I’m short. I need to ensure a good view, to produce a decent review.. Or so I lead everyone to believe. Perhaps I’m just a big fan girl and have no shame in my greed) I quickly threw a cheesy grin to Security, who ever so kindly took a photo of each set list for me. Thanks guys!

Time always seems to stand still when waiting for an amazing performance and tonight was no different. 45 minutes felt like 2 hours, but a wait that was worth every second.

A brief moment of darkened silence, before Mr Big erupted on to the stage. Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy (The Electric Drill Song) saw everyone moving and singing along. What a way to open a show.

Eric Martins vocals were unchanged and powerful, even at 57 years old. He is still spot on with every single note and can I just say, the man, just like his voice, has not aged a day. I want to know your secrets, Eric.

For many, we re-lived our teenage years, with hits such as Just Take My Heart, To Be With You, Green-Tinted Sixties Mind, Colorado Bulldog and even Cat Stevens classic Wild World.

Open Your Eyes and Everybody Needs a Little Trouble from their latest album Defying Gravity were also played and enjoyed by the crowd.

Paul Gilbert was of course, an absolute whiz on his Ibanez, with his trademark shredding. I expected nothing less than mind-blowing from the legend. The man doesn’t need to talk, when his fingers can do it for him. My expectations were met and exceeded, especially during his solo. Wow! I found myself saying that a lot throughout the night.

Matt Starr did a smashing job, sitting in Pat Torpeys throne, who sadly passed away earlier this year due to complications with Parkinson’s disease.

Eric, introducing Matt as their “brother in arms”, while making certain to keep Torpey’s memory alive through his music. Eric dedicating Take Cover to him. Devoted Torpey fans, yelling out “Rest in Peace” and “We love you Torpey“. I felt priveleged to be a part of that moment.

Matt Starr slotting in nicely, was amazing to watch. Not only for his skillful technique, but his sensational facial expressions, while playing.

I was fortunate enough to be standing right in front of Billy Sheehan, I was absolutely mesmerised by the man. I thought I had seen some talented bass players, but this man was unlike anything I’d ever witnessed. While I tried to keep my focus shared on all members of the band, Billy kept stealing it and that’s not a bad thing at all. Witnessing a duel between Sheehan and Gilbert in which they both used a drill to strum their strings, was an absolute treat and highlight. I kept wondering if Extreme would match the show that Mr Big gave us, they left big boots to fill.

After a brief change over, I was about to find out.

Through the darkness, Extreme made their way on to the stage. I watched them in the shadows, waiting. My heart was pounding, I was actually nervous.

An explosion of lights and it was all happening. I didn’t know where to look first, there was so much energy on one stage. Gary Cherone bouncing around and contorting across the stage, he was so animated. Nuno Bettencourt and Pat Badger moving from front of stage to the sides of Kevin Figueiredo’s kit, giving us a show of their talents.

Playing three tracks, back to back from Extreme II: Pornograffitti – It(‘s a Monster),Li’l Jack Horny and Get The Funk Out, I couldn’t believe that after all these years, they still have so much stamina. They still have IT!

It’s been a long time between shows, 25 years to be precise. Nuno and Gary were apologetic, promising they would come back again. Nuno announcing that he had family in the crowd, I think everyone in the room was family.

Kevin Figueiredo was unrelenting on drums, he didn’t miss a beat. If he did, no-one noticed. While everyone was anticipating Nuno’s solo in Play With Me, he surprised us all when he jumped on percussions and duelled it out with Kevin. Nothing short of amazing. The brief cable fault during Nuno’s solo, in Play With Me (which he did eventually play) wasn’t a drama. Nuno laughing it off, before restarting. There was such a great vibe in the room, I’m sure everyone felt it.

I was absolutely enthralled for the entire duration of the set. Gary’s resonant vocals were impeccable. Any and every problem that may have been going on outside of the venue, melted away. For just one night, we were taken away from reality and damn it felt good.

The band fed off the crowd, as the crowd fed from the band. Nuno recommending, we all meet up outside after the show, to create our own band. “What a band it would be”.

Nuno, an absolute mastermind on guitar, played his signature Washburn N4-Vintage Electric Guitar, while strutting around the stage and lending his very awesome backing vocals. It was hard to keep my eyes off him.

Pat Badger moved around the stage with a precise amount of attitude, while working his bass, throwing the occasional pick out to fans. Thanks to that lovely security guard, that I befriended earlier, I am also a proud owner of one of Pat’s picks. It pays to be nice to Security!

The hits were belted out, Hole Hearted, Midnight Express, Cupid’s Dead including an intro from the Soul Classic by Sam Cooke – Cupid.

Nuno and Gary took a seat front of stage to play the biggest hit of their career, the well-loved ballad More Than Words. Gary and Nuno’s harmonising has always been evoking, that hasn’t changed. Gary motioning for the crowd to sing the first verse. What a moment, the crowd almost surpassing the volume of Gary and Nuno. A smile was on everyone’s face.

The stage now empty, with the exception of Nuno, who asked in jest, “Where’d everyone go, are we breaking up again? I don’t need those guys anyway, I do what I want”. The crowd roared with laughter.

Nuno in the spotlight, entertained us with Flight of The Wounded Bumblebee, his fingering is immaculate, just WOW! Moving in to He-Man Woman Hater, however it was cut short, due to time constraints. Closing the show for the evening, was Decadence Dance.

Extreme did the obligatory thank you, before jumping down from the stage and walking along the barrier, shaking hands and hi-fiving the crowd. I swear, I’m never washing my hand again! I wished the night didn’t have to end, but as the saying goes “all good things must come to an end”.

It takes something pretty epic, to entice people to leave the comfort of their home on a week night in Sydney. When I hear the name Ross the Boss, I struggle to conjure another word that adequately suits.

With the recent release of their album “By Blood Sworn” which was produced by Dean Rispler, who played with Friedman in The Dictators NYC. Co-founder of the iconic metal band Manowar, Ross “The Boss” Friedman, brought his arson of talented accomplices with him, to the Bald Faced Stag in Leichhardt, Sydney, to play a full classic Manowar set.

I’ll be honest, I was a sceptic. There’s no way anyone could reach those high notes that we all associate with Manowar and hold them for any length of time during a live performance. Not without faltering, or without the help of some technical voice enhancing equipment.. or passing out. Wow, after a blistering one and a half hour set, was I proven wrong.

The venue slowly filled, the excitement was obvious and such a feel good aura was floating throughout the room. The merch was plentiful and a great display hung perfectly behind the merch desk, giving everyone a great view of the availability and price. How good is a well organised merch stand!

Hailing from Melbourne, Horizons Edge kicked the night off, with a set full of melodic power metal. Their sound was big and their performance was energetic. I couldn’t help but feel I was committing a sin, watching Kat (vox). Donned in pure white hot pants and vest, that were adorned with shiny gold bling, she appeared so ethereal.

Her voice, although loud, seemed quite angelic and evoking. I really enjoyed the power riffs throughout the set.

Night Legion, a super-band in their own right, were up next. Affiliations with Dungeon, Death Dealer, Darker Half, Empires of Eden and Blasted to Static, it was no surprise the enormity of their sound and performance. These guys were true professionals, and absolutely faultless. Even Ross “The Boss” Friedman came out to watch them play.

It was that moment I chose to grab a sneaky pic with the man himself. With a quick snap and a kiss on both cheeks, my night was made. I could’ve gone home a happy girl, alas, I had a show to review.

After a brief change over, I stood amongst the 300 odd warriors, that had gathered to witness this show of epic proportions.

With the bellowing sounds from Marc Lopes, “Blood of The Kings” was the beginning to what has become one of my favourite nights of Metal.

To say I was overwhelmed, would be an understatement. I was driven to stare flabbergasted, as Marc sliced through the crowd, with his razor sharp vocals. I had to pick my jaw up a few times. How can any man hold a note so perfectly, for that length of time? This man is a bloody wizard or something.

Then I was drawn between him and Friedman, with his lightning fast fingers on the guitar, he makes it look so easy.

“The Oath” “Blood of my Enemies” “Hatred”, we were privileged to many greats.

Mike Lepond slowed the pace, as he made some chord changes on his bass, ready for “Bridge of Death”, only for the pace to pick back up with “Sign of the Hammer”.

Marc stood on the barrier and beckoned for the crowd to chant “fight fight fighting the world“. Friedman let out a seeming grin of approval as he worked the stage with his magic fingers, Mike slapping his bass and Steve Bolognese pounding the drums perfectly. Marc continued to coax the crowd from the barrier. He grabbed his phone and started filming the audience, working them into a frenzy. Fists were being thrown in the air, showing the crowds approval and co-operation.

Marc confirmed “That’s more like it. Now you guys are warmed up for the next couple“. He then went on to tell us they had a bit of a competition going on to see who could sing the next song the loudest. So far the Netherlands and Italy are winning. “You aint gonna let them win, are ya”? before announcing “Battle Hymns“.

Once again the crowd of warriors sang in unison. Marc grabbed his phone again, and running from side to side of the barrier announced “That’s fucking beautiful, give yourself a hand”. Marc continued to tell us when he was feeling like shit, he used to go home and listen to the next song and everything would be ok. “This is Hail Hail Hail and Kill, with Special Guest “Stu Marshall” (Night Legion).”

Stu and Friedman were band mates in Death Dealer.

Fists continued to pump the air, as the crowd chanted “Hail Hail Hail and Kill“, with a spectacular ending, indicating it was the end of their set.

A brief chat with the band and Marc announced as much as they’d love to play all night, they had to save some energy for their other shows. The room full of warriors wasn’t having that, as they protested and yelled out for more.

Of course they were going to get their way, “Metal Daze” saw the show come to an end, leaving everyone in their own glorious Metal filled daze.

Answering to fans requests for another tour, after being inspired by special invitation to “Bang Your Head Festival” in Germany last year; Rock N’ Roll Outlaws, Rose Tattoo recently announced their “Blood Brothers Tour”. The first, in over eight years, that will see them play along the East Coast of Australia, before heading to Europe in June to take on a massive list of dates, including “Sweden Rock Festival” and “Hellfest”.

Angry hand-picked his cohorts, he deemed fit for the run. After witnessing their assault last night, it’s safe to say, he picked well, really bloody well.

The venue, was an apt choice. The Iconic Bridge Hotel, in Rozelle has played home to live music for over 30 years. Anyone who is anyone in Australia, has played on the Bridge stage. The pub oozes old school and the staff are among the most hospitable you could want. The Bridge is all about live music and giving their patrons a great experience.

The night kicked off when support band Hitmen DTK took to the stage, an original Punk / Rock band from Sydney. These guys were solid entertainers and Johnny Kannis (vox) wasn’t holding back, even though he was missing out on Greek Easter, he informed us in jest. A few songs in to the set, he jumped off the stage, and with the help of the crowd, climbed on to the bar. Walking the length of the bar, Johnny did a fitting job at getting the room fired up, which was now quickly filling. Hitmen DTK belted out some impressive tunes. I thoroughly enjoyed their cover of the Sex Pistols – Pretty Vacant. An over-all sturdy effort. The guys have a new album out, “SIX PISTOLS” that pays homage to six iconic bands that have influenced the bands collective music career. I’m keen to check it out, and after experiencing the Hitmen last night, I highly recommend you check them out.

I grabbed my opportunity to rehydrate, before returning to the front of the stage, in wait for the indomitable Rose Tattoo. I’ve seen the Tatts a few times, and witnessed Angry doing solo work, but tonight promised to be something special.

Shoulder to shoulder, the room was filled. People pushing and shoving, trying to get just that little bit closer to the stage. Was I giving up my spot? No chance!

As the band walked out, the crowd roared. Angry joked “calm down, we haven’t done anything yet”. The guys took their places; bass player Mark Evans of AC/DC, guitarist Bob Spencer – The Angels & Skyhooks, Dai Pritchard on slide, Skins-Man John ‘Watto’ Watson and of course, the impregnable front man Angry Anderson.

“One of The Boys”, opened the set, then “Juice on the Loose. The talented Dai Pritchard on slide guitar was faultless, he’s such a joy to watch whilst having my aural senses aroused. Mark Evans moved around the stage and looked right at home, while Bob Spencer, although amazing, seemed a little more reserved, as he kept his place on the stage. He knows he has nothing to prove, his music speaks for itself. Watto kept perfect time, as Angry, although a little wobbly on his feet, had no problem bellowing out his classic lyrics. Age has had no negative impact on his big voice or character. He may be short in stature, but he is larger than life.

“Assault and battery” had the room moving. It was impossible to stand idle while such classics were being belted out. “Tramp”, “Rock N’ Roll Outlaw”, “The Butcher & Fast Eddie”.

I remember at one point, I thought someone was spilling a drink on me, only to realise I was dripping with sweat. I wasn’t alone though, everyone down the front looked as though they had just walked out of a shower. Only no-one was smelling fresh, the scent of body odour in the room was brutal.

“Branded”, “Scarred for Life” and loads more hits were played. I did expect more tracks from the “Blood Brothers” album to be played, given the name of the tour. I was in no way disappointed though, so many favourites were played, and that was certainly made clear as the crowd cheered and sang along. After “We Can’t Be Beaten”, Angry announced “You know we don’t do that walk off stage and come back on bullshit, so we’re going to play one more for you”.

“Nice Boys” was the last song of the evening. I think many people were still expecting the whole “walk off and back on stage bullshit”, as they hung around, hopeful, after the band had left the stage. The night ran very smoothly, the sound was spot on and we were all left wanting more from the great Aussie Rock band!

Rose Tattoo and supports Hitmen DTK will be back at The Bridge Hotel tonight, to play to a sold out show. Rose Tattoo have just announced they have added more tickets to the show, so get in fast! Anyone that is attending will not be disappointed. If you miss out, they’ll be back in Sydney playing at Miranda Hotel on the 27th of April.

Queensland, you’re up next. Don’t miss your chance to witness this band of (blood) brothers, perform all your favourites, like you’ve never heard them before.

Many thanks to Rose Tattoo and The Bridge Hotel for a stellar show and a fab night.

After a tyre blow out on the freeway and a quick change of tyres and cars, I set off on my drive from Sydney to Wollongong, in great anticipation of the Jimmy Barnes Festival, hosted by Yours & Owls.

I managed to secure a parking spot, a short 10 minute walk from McCabe Park, where the days festivities, were being held.

Unfortunately, due to my earlier incident, I missed the 2:30pm opening act, “Mental As Anything“.

As I walked through the gates, I was overwhelmed by the crowd of people, that had gathered to enjoy the days line-up. An estimated 5000 people were moving all about the park, looking for an unobstructed, comfortable spot, to watch the show.

I joined a queue, to grab a bite to eat and grab some cold water, for the duration of Diesel’s set. I enjoyed the change that Diesel had given his songs, slowed right down, with an almost blues feel to them.

Food and water finally in hand, I found a place to sit, and was able to enjoy a set from Ian Moss. Mossy played some songs from his new self titled CD, that’s due for release in March of this year. He dedicated a song to his nephew in-law and wished him well.

The crowd sang along to some favourites, including “Choir Girl“, “Telephone Booth” “My Baby“, and closed with “Bow River“. Mossy informed the crowd that the ‘Gong and Newcastle were the first places that put on Aussie Rock shows.

He gave a heartfelt thanks and assured his fans that he would never forget them.

During the half an hour change over, I decided to relocate closer to the stage. Queens “Bohemian Rhapsody” played over the speakers, which sent the crowd in to a singing frenzy.

The atmosphere down the front, was a lot more energetic, than the laid back crowd further back. The sky was turning grey by this time, with the impending threat of rain.

Daryl Braithwaite was up next and I have to say, the biggest surprise of the day for me.

Braithwaite looked fit and in great form. He announced he would be singing some newer songs, and songs that go back to the “Sherbet” period. Braithwaite’s voice was just as I remember it. He definitely still has it, even after all these years.

I was pleasantly surprised to hear “Howzat” and “You’ve Got The Gun“, dating back to the Sherbet days.

It was great to see younger fans sporting a Daryl Braithwaite T-shirt and getting amongst the older fans. The crowd sang along and danced to popular hits, such as “As the Days Go By” and “One Summer“. Braithwaite even covered a Kinks song “All Day And All Of The Night“, which was well received. Braithwaite chose to close his set with “Horses“. It was at this moment, people from the back of the park, raced forward toward the stage, to take part in singing the famous song.

For the duration of the song, everyone sang in unison. Strangers, arm in arm, swaying along, with a massive smile on their faces. I think it’s safe to say that any glitches from earlier in the day, had now been forgotten and everyone was enjoying themselves.

Another half an hour break, day turning in to night, and Jimmy Barnes was due to hit the stage. I turned around to look at the crowd, as far as the eye could see, everyone was now out of their seats, up off their rugs and standing, waiting for Barnesy to grace us with his presence. We didn’t have to wait too long, Barnesy took to the stage with his band, including his son Jackie on drums, his daughters Elly-May, Eliza-Jane and Mahalia, as well as his stunning wife Jane, on backing vocals.

For the next hour and a half, I was taken back to my youth, as Barnsey belted out all the favourites, such as “Die To Be With You“, “Ride The Night Away“, “Working Class Man“, “Merry Go Round“,”Khe Sanh“, “No Second Prize“, “Flame Trees” and “Driving Wheels“.

Not even the short burst of rain, could wipe the smile off my face – Barnsey proclaiming that he had scared the rain off. Barnesy threw in a cover of AC/DC’s “High Voltage“, during his encore, and ended the festival with “Goodbye (Astrid Goodbye)“.

The festival concluded at 9:30pm, with the thousands of patrons all rushing to the one exit point of the park. Security did extremely well to manage the crowd, which I noticed all throughout the event. Any grievances were dealt with swiftly and appropriately.

I walked out of the gates of McCabe park smiling, feeling content that I had an enjoyable experience.

I took my seat and watched the sea of fans fill QUDOS Bank Arena, to witness what promised to be a spectacular performance from Roger Waters.

An image was projected on a large screen behind the stage. The image, a girl sitting on the beach, staring out at the ocean. As she sat motionless, the water continued to ebb & flow as the Marram grass blew in the breeze. The same girl was seen in more images, throughout the show.

Before long, the screen transitioned into a familiar galactic backdrop as I heard, “I’ve always been mad..“, from Dark Side Of The Moon’s “Speak To Me“, followed by “Breathe“. Guitarist, (or as Waters fondly referred to him, “our resident hippy”) Jonathan Wilson, took the role of lead vocals. Together, Wilson and Dave Kilminster made a great guitar tandem.

The sudden burst of lights, surprisingly shifted my focus from the continuously changing back drop, to a now lit up stage, for the dueling bass instrumental,”One of These Days” – the opening track from “Meddle”. With only one spoken line, “One of these days I’m gonna cut you up into little pieces“.

Once again, the screen imagery transitioned. This time, a singular clock, rotating around the screen. The clock stopped, alarms sounded and the single clock multiplied, over and over until the screen was full of flying clocks. It was “Time“! Waters finally taking the mic, supported by his exemplary band. The crowd becoming more vocal, showing their approval and appreciation for an old favourite.

Lucius singers Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessing, captured the audience, taking us on an adventure with their astounding duet in “Great Gig In The Sky“, followed by “Welcome To The Machine“.

Waters played three numbers, back to back, from his new album “Is This The Life We Really Want“. The songs reinforced his obvious disapproval of the current political situation. “Picture This“, almost spoken word – poetical and fierce. Waters paced the stage, spitting out the lyrics “Picture a leader with no fucking brains, no fucking brains, no fucking brains“.

More favourites were rolled out, including “Another Brick InThe Wall (Part 2 & 3)“. One by One, children marched on to the stage, to form a line across the front, dressed in orange prison jumpsuits, with black hoods. As the song progressed, so did their message, as they ripped off their hoods and tore open their jumpsuits, to reveal the word “RESIST”, printed across the front of their shirts. It was noted that the children were all from our home town of Sydney, and had only met with Waters at 5:30pm the same day.

After a brief intermission, we were welcomed back to a gob smacking sight. Several screen projectors had been dropped down from the ceiling, spread across the entire length of the arena floor. Initially boasting the Battersea Power Station, complete with a pig floating between two chimneys, as “Dogs” and “Pigs (Three Different Ones)” were played, followed by “Money“.

The band now adorned with pig masks, sipping from glasses of champagne. It had a very ritualistic feel about it, as Waters walked the stage, toasting the audience. Waters again displayed a deprecatory message toward Trump, as a large inflatable “Piggy Bank Of War” rotated around the arena, bold messages flashing on the screens, such as “Please help, we are trapped in a dystopian nightmare”. Trumps head was put on the body of a pig, the body of a baby, as well as a body with micro genitalia, among other things. I momentarily, felt like I was at a political rally, but as all Waters enthusiasts know, Waters music has always been rife with political connotations. The final statement was made, “TRUMP IS A PIG”!

Waters threw in another track “Smell The Roses“, from his latest album, before the cover art from the seminal “Dark Side Of The Moon“, was brought to life before our very eyes, with a spectacular light show. A triangular prism, hovered above the floor, with an undulating rainbow of lights and a floating moon. Never a more suitable visual to lose myself in, to the tunes “Brain Damage” and “Eclipse“. It truly was a breath taking moment, and well deserving of the standing ovation it received.

Waters introduced his band, then went on to congratulate Australia, for not having nuclear weapons. The light show continued, for “Mother“, leaving “Comfortably Numb” to close the show. Pink streamers, with the word “RESIST“, fell from above, as Waters jumped off the stage and shook hands with his many fans, topping off what was an already incredible night.